The characteristics, biodistribution, magnetic resonance imaging and biodegradability of superparamagnetic core-shell nanoparticles

Po Wei Lee, Sheng Hsiang Hsu, Jiun Jie Wang, Jin Sheng Tsai, Kun Ju Lin, Shiaw Pyng Wey, Fu Rong Chen, Chih Huang Lai, Tzu Chen Yen, Hsing Wen Sung*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Article peer-review

89 Scopus citations

Abstract

An efficient contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is essential to enhance the detection and characterization of lesions within the body. In this study, we described the development of biodegradable nanoparticles with a core-shell structure to formulate superparamagnetic iron oxide (CSNP-SPIO) for MRI. The developed nanoparticles were composed of a hydrophobic PLGA core and a positively-charged glycol chitosan shell. The results obtained by transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, electron energy loss spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction measurement confirmed that the prepared nanoparticles had a core-shell structure with SPIO in their core area. No aggregation of nanoparticles was observed during storage in water, as a result of the electrostatic repulsion between the positively-charged nanoparticles. The magnetic properties of nanoparticles were examined by a vibrating sample magnetometer and a superconducting quantum interference device; the results showed that the superparamagnetism of SPIO was preserved after the CSNP-SPIO formulation. In tracking their cellular internalization pathway, we found that CSNP-SPIO accumulated in lysosomes. In the biodistribution study, a high level of radioactivity was observed in the liver shortly after administration of the 99mTc-labeled CSNP-SPIO intravenously. Once taken up by the liver cells, the liver turned dark on T2* images. Following cellular internalization, CSNP-SPIO were broken down gradually; therefore, with time increasing, a significant decrease in the darkness of the liver on T2* images was found. The aforementioned results indicate that the developed CSNP-SPIO can serve as an efficient MRI contrast agent and could be degraded after serving their imaging function.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1316-1324
Number of pages9
JournalBiomaterials
Volume31
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 02 2010

Keywords

  • Glycol chitosan
  • Internalization pathway
  • Lysosome
  • Multifunction
  • Superparamagnetic iron oxide

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The characteristics, biodistribution, magnetic resonance imaging and biodegradability of superparamagnetic core-shell nanoparticles'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this